The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a program assistant manager/environmental educator for Clagett Farm Education Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. This position will end June 30, 2016 and is a fulltime position with a salary only.
THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional non-profit conservation organization working solely to save the Bay. Established in 1967, CBF has a staff of approximately 185 employees working in offices in Annapolis Maryland; Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., and in 15 field education program locations. CBF’s headquarters office is in the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first LEED platinum building.
CBF has an annual budget of approximately $21 million and is supported by more than 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF please visit www.cbf.org.
For more information….
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
CBF’s education program has been operating field experiences for students of all ages since 1972. Approximately 35,000 students and teachers participate each year in field experiences or teacher training. The Bay and/or its tributaries are our medium and CBF environmental educators are responsible for bringing the watershed alive to students. We strive to make a lasting impression about the excitement and vulnerability of the Bay.
Each of CBF’s 15 education programs has its own individual character. We stress patient, careful, and individual observation by participants. The senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch—are the most valuable tools for studying the Bay. Other tools are useful supplements: trawls, seines, cast nets, field guides, binoculars, and water chemistry equipment. We use hands-on teaching techniques to motivate and educate the students. The field experiences take place from the inner cities of Baltimore and Hampton Roads to remote Fox Island and the far reaches of the Susquehanna watershed. The education department is administered from our Annapolis office.
The education department is comprised of field programs, teacher and principal professional development, and student leadership. All of these components work closely to encourage and lead students to take action toward “Saving the Bay.”
Field educators are hired as full time, year round staff. There are two field seasons, during the fall and spring of the academic year. Summer is reserved for conducting extended trainings for teachers and students. Winter provides an opportunity for staff training and development as well as maintenance and repairs to the fleet and facilities. Instructors are hired for one of 15 field programs and work in teams of two or three. Field staff work interchangeably on other field programs and with other educators.
The staff continually adapts program content based upon grade/age level of students, weather, seasons, and group dynamics. This physically demanding position involves fairly frequent weekend and evening/overnight work, and year-round exposure to the elements.
The program staff is accountable for the safety of all field participants, and for keeping all equipment (buildings, boats, grounds, and/or gear) in proper working order. They ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed and respond to medical emergencies. The staff function as a team to plan and facilitate field experiences.
Educators promote and develop citizen knowledge about the watershed by providing unforgettable, hands-on experiences to hundreds of students and their teachers each season and inspire them with a commitment to the restoration of the Bay and its tributaries.
CONTEXT OF THE POSITION
CBF’s Clagett Farm is a 285-acre, organic working farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The farm program offers in-depth discussions about agriculture’s impact on the watershed. This program, just 12 miles southeast of Washington, DC, is CBF’s only agriculture focused education program.
This central location allows our center to offer educational programs which explore land, river and Bay ecosystems. Students explore the farm by foot and hay wagon or by canoeing on the nearby Patuxent River. Teachers select a location based on the needs of their curriculum.
Participants gain true awareness of environmental issues, sharpen critical thinking skills and practice problem solving. This meaningful watershed experience can be tailored to engage students in upper elementary, middle and high school.
The following list of concepts and activities may be emphasized during a field experience to Clagett Farm or the Patuxent River.
The Farm
- Stream/buffer survey station
- Sustainable organic farming
- Best farming practices
- Mapping skills
- Schoolyard habitat (e.g., rain gardens)
- Land use (rural, urban, suburban)
- Water quality testing
The Patuxent River
- Canoeing
- Wetland/river ecology
- Marsh mucking
- Biodiversity
- Physical, biological & chemical surveys
Essential functions include:
- Develop and implement, in collaboration with the program manager one and multi-day field experiences based upon curriculum needs and state standards.
- Contact teachers and plan field experiences according to the needs of the classroom and curriculum.
- Execute programs, including the following items for all students/teachers: safety review on farm and/or canoes, rudimentary boating skills, educational activities, wildlife observation, biological sampling, water quality testing, ecosystem and watershed concepts (such as salinity, turbidity), etc.
- Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of students, weather, seasons, and group dynamics.
- Develop and implement one-year program plan that is in alignment with CBF’s strategic plan.
- Collaborate with the farm staff and Environmental Protection and Restoration program.
- Distribute evaluations to teachers and/or participants. Respond to feedback and make necessary adaptations and changes.
- Assist other education programs (teacher professional development/Chesapeake Classrooms, student leadership, and other field programs) as needed.
- Develop and implement extended field programs (weeklong, overnight experiences) for teachers and/or students in the summer months.
- Work with school administration to recruit teachers.
- Communicate progress with other CBF staff (this may include communications, development, environmental protection and restoration, or other education programs).
- Complete/submit timesheets, personal expense reports, credit card reports and all other relevant administrative tasks.
- Maintain/repair all vehicles, boats, safety equipment, educational gear.
- Attend all safety training and professional development offerings.
- Participate in a random drug-testing program for the Coast Guard.
- This physically-demanding position involves fairly frequent weekend and overnight work, and year-round exposure to the elements.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidate should possess:
- Bachelor’s degree. Background in education, biology, environmental science, marine biology, or the liberal arts is helpful but not required.
- At least one-three years of experience with children in an educational setting.
- Must have a strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors (in all weather conditions) and work with students on a daily basis.
- Knowledge of aquatic habitats and agriculture practices.
- General knowledge of environmental legislation and regulations.
- Canoe/boat, water safety, farm equipment experience desirable.
- Travel, evening and weekend work required on a regular basis.
- Creativity, humor and self-confidence are desired qualities.
- Energy, enthusiasm, and passion for students and the environment are essential.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Must be able to take initiative, solve problems and work collaboratively with a partner and team.
- Desire and ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Experience with tools, tractors, and completing small repairs.
- Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the Chesapeake and its tributaries.
- Knowledge of environmental issues facing the watershed.
- Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects (canoes and other equipment).
- Strong commitment to safety and maintenance related to trucks/trailers/boats/center facilities.
- Ability to work in all types of weather, with a positive attitude!
Must participate in a criminal history check and USCG drug-testing program. Training required in Wilderness First Responder, boater safety, canoe training, community water safety and CPR.
To apply, please send resume, cover letter and contact information for three references by January 19, 2015 to:
Laura Burrell Baxter, Director of Education Operations
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Email application materials to: lbbaxter@cbf.org
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.